People
Mestres, legends and figures named in the songs.
Besouro Mangangá
Legendary capoeirista from Santo Amaro, said to have a "corpo fechado" — a body that bullets and blades could not harm.
Iemanjá
The orixá of the sea, mother of the waters, honoured in Salvador every 2 February.
Lampião
The most famous cangaceiro (bandit) of the Brazilian northeastern backlands.
Mestre Pastinha
The great guardian of Capoeira Angola, founder of the Centro Esportivo de Capoeira Angola in Salvador.
Oxalá
The orixá of creation and peace in Candomblé, associated with white and with Jesus/Senhor do Bonfim in Bahia.
Oxum
The orixá of fresh water, rivers, gold and love, associated with yellow.
Santo Antônio
Saint Anthony, a much-loved popular saint in Brazil, celebrated in the June festivals.
São Bento
Saint Benedict — protector against snakes and evil, and the saint the São Bento toques are named after.
São João
Saint John the Baptist, celebrated with bonfires in the June festivals (festas juninas).
Xangô
The orixá of thunder, fire and justice.
Mestre Bimba
Creator of Capoeira Regional and founder of the first capoeira academy recognised in Brazil (Salvador, 1930s).
Zumbi dos Palmares
Leader of the Quilombo dos Palmares and a symbol of Black resistance in Brazil.